ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Sexualization and sexual exploitation in K-pop

Okay, so you know how when you play with toys or dress up, you pretend to be different characters and do different things? Well, in K-pop, the singers and performers also pretend to be different characters and do different things, but they do it on stage or in music videos for people to watch.

Sometimes, the singers are made to dress up in revealing clothes and dance in a way that some people might think is sexy. This is called sexualization, which means making something or someone appear more sexual than they actually are. It might not be bad to do this on its own, but sometimes it's done in a way that makes people feel uncomfortable or objectified.

In other cases, some people might try to take advantage of the K-pop performers by making them do things they don't want to do or exposing them to sexual situations. This is called sexual exploitation, which means using someone else for sexual purposes without their consent. This is very bad and can have a lot of negative consequences for the performers.

It's important to remember that everyone has the right to say no to anything that makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe, and K-pop performers are no exception. We should always respect their boundaries and treat them with kindness and respect.